There are 21 legislative days left on the calendar and a lot of work left to do.  Unfortunately, House Democrats’ fixation on impeachment has gotten in the way of Congress’ work to serve the American people, especially our troops. On Wednesday, House Republicans gave Democrats a chance to end the legislative stall by offering a motion that would have suspended Speaker Pelosi’s sham impeachment process until the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 and the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2020 were signed into law. Unfortunately, 223 House Democrats voted to prioritize impeachment over our troops.

As a result, pay increases for our troops are at a stalemate, along with a number of other things Americans are asking for including:

- Lowering prescription drug prices

- Passing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)

- Repairing the country’s crumbling infrastructure

- Unlocking more of America’s economic potential

- Protecting users’ online privacy

- Securing the border and fixing the broken immigration system

- Fighting the opioid tragedy

- Helping the homeless

On Tuesday, the House majority passed H.R. 2513, the Corporate Transparency Act, which places cumbersome reporting requirements on many American businesses. This bill requires all businesses to report “beneficial owners” to the federal government. Beneficial owners are those with a 25 percent ownership stake in the business, those who control the business, or those who receive substantial economic benefits from the assets of a corporation or limited liability company. In total, the bill would add more than 13 million hours of work and $570 million in regulatory costs to businesses. While businesses already struggle with burdensome red tape, this bill adds to the load and negatively impacts business owners, workers and consumers.

On Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 4617, the Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a lasting Democracy (SHIELD) Act. This bill would not prevent foreign interference in our elections but would rather have a chilling effect on Americans’ constitutional right to free speech with its new online advertising regulations. House Republicans remain committed to passing legislation that addresses threats to free and fair elections without infringing on Americans’ First Amendment rights.

My DC office is currently accepting applications for paid spring internship positions. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, conducting Capitol tours, researching legislative issues, attending briefings & hearings, and assisting the Member and staff with data management. Ideal candidates will possess strong written and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to complete assignments quickly and accurately in a fast-paced office environment. They will also be self-starters, organized, and able to multi-task efficiently. Full time availability and a commitment to serve from January through early to mid-May are required (exact dates flexible). Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to Tabetha.Bryant@mail.house.gov.